Instructional Classes

Introduction to Kayaking on Lakes and Rivers

The course starts off with an early evening session on a local reservoir practicing the basic strokes to skillfully power and maneuver your kayak. The second session is a downriver trip on Class I-II whitewater on the scenic Rivanna River.

No experience is necessary and all equipment and transportation is provided. Taught by our veteran instructors, this 2-seession class is designed for beginners and intermediate paddlers. We help you develop proper boat handling techniques and safe habits on the water. Start at a local lake, we work on kayak launching, reentry and directional control. After learning to paddle efficiently on flat water, the second session introduces participants to our local Rivanna River. Here you will progress and learn how to navigate currents, easy obstacles and light rapids. Age limit is 12 years or older.

Each Introduction to Kayaking on Lakes and Rivers Class includes two sessions: Thursday, 5:00-7:00pm and the following Sunday, 1:30-5:30pm. Select an offering date that is shown on the Thursday that the class begins. Your booking will include both sessions of the class.

Suitable for beginner and intermediate paddlers, this class starts with the basics and goes well beyond them. The goal of the class is to give participants a strong skills foundation for a lifetime of enjoying recreational kayaking.

Strengthen your core, flatten your belly, and burn calories on the water with a specialized 90 minute paddle board core workout class. Performing poses on the paddle board offers an intense, efficient core workout. The class will begin with 10 minutes of on land instruction, followed by 15-20 minutes of paddling (allowing everyone time to get comfortable on their board), followed by 45 minutes of core exercises, and then ending with a 15-20 min paddle back to the starting point. No standup paddle boarding experience is necessary, this class is open to one and all!

All classes are taught by Kira Sullivan, a local NSCA certified personal trainer, group exercise instructor, and “restore the core” certified trainer. Kira has been the owner of a local fitness business for over 10 years, and has 12 years of experience training clients, specializing in core strengthening.

This exciting 2-hour introduction to Stand-Up Paddleboarding on the river is led by an experienced guide and teacher. The session involves 15 minutes of land-based instruction followed by 30 minutes of flatwater practice. Participants develop the basic skills to launch the board, paddle from a kneeling position, stand up with balance, and maneuver the board. The session heads downriver through several small rapids, giving participants the chance to try out the exciting new sport of river SUP!

All equipment and transportation is provided. Helmets are provided and are required to be worn on the river.

SUP River Skills Sessions are generally offered on weekday evenings, and can be arranged on a custom basis for groups. This is a great way to have fun with friends or co-workers after work on a summer day. Minimum age is 12.

Cost is $49 per person. Info on schedule is currently available by request by calling 434-218-2052 or emailing rivannarivercompany@gmail.com.

While the class is open to brave beginners, we suggest that you try SUP on flatwater before taking on this class (if you have no prior experience on a stand-up paddleboard). You can do this by renting one of our easy-to-transport SUPs and taking it to one of our beautiful local lakes. Click here for info on renting a SUP.

Our new location as of June, 2018 is in a beautiful riverside field, behind the Pie Chest and Lone Light Coffee. Plug in directions to 1518 E. High St, Charlottesville, VA 22902, turn into the lot...then follow the signs to find us along a gravel road out back!